Local law enforcement holds solemn remembrance

Friday

May 16, 2008 at 12:01 AMMay 16, 2008 at 6:12 AM

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OCALA — Local law enforcement officials gathered at the McPherson Governmental Complex on Thursday morning to remember those who died in the line of duty.
During the half-hour event, Ocala Deputy Chief Greg Graham said that in the United States last year, 140 officers were killed on the job.
Guest speaker County Judge Sara Ritterhoff Williams said that this year, as of May 14, 37 U.S. law enforcement officers - including one from Florida - have died in the line of duty.
Maj. James McGowan read the names of the 13 local law enforcement officials killed over the years, from Ocala Town Marshal Burrell Dawkins in 1881 to Marion County Sheriff's Deputy Brian Litz in 2004.
Capt. Jeff Succi of the Florida Highway Patrol told the audience members they could purchase a brick for $60 that would aid in the development of a permanent site.